Do you talk to yourself?

Most people talk to themselves whether they realise it or not. It does not have to be spoken; in fact most self talk or personal conversations occur in the brain. On a personal level it can be very beneficial if it is positive or totally destructive if it is negative.

So what is self talk and who uses it the most to the greatest benefit.

Self talk is the conversations that go on in your head about why you should or shouldn’t, could or couldn’t, can or can’t do something in particular. Positive self talk is used extensively by elite athletes, astronauts and many successful business people.

The positive uplifting self talk helps to push you forward, to extend your existing boundaries and perform at a level that would generally be considered abnormal for you. Self talk also encourages self belief which is necessary when you try to make something new happen.

Imagine yourself in a work situation where someone has asked you to fulfill a task you have never tried before. One of two things generally happen. Your first thoughts are great, a new challenge or I cannot possibly do this. It is easy to see the positive and negative response.

Would it be possible for you to hold back those first thoughts, gain a greater understanding of the task ahead and then push forward with positive thoughts about the final completion of the task? Remember you can always refer to the person who allocated the task for further understanding of what is involved or for any possible assistance. Focus on getting the small pieces right and it will all fall into place.

Positive self talk is ensuring your thoughts are always for the betterment and improvement of yourself and it is self supporting. Talk to yourself positively and feel good about it.